Safe space heater utilizing semisolid petroleum fuels



Oct. 7, 1969 A. LA GANI, JR

SAFE SPACE HEATER UTILIZING SEMISOLID PETROLEUM FUE-LS Filed Nov. 30.1966 2 Sheets-Sheet l FIG. 3

PATENT ATTORNEY Oct. 7, 1969 A. LAGANI, JR 3,471,243

SAFE SPACE HEATER UTILIZING SEMISOLID PETROLEUM FUELS FIG. 2

A. LAGANI, JR. 'NvENroR PATENT ATTORNEY UnitedStates Patentr O1 hee3,471,243 SAFE SPACE HEATER UTILIZING SEMISOLID PETROLEUM FUELS AnthonyLagani, Jr., Newark, NJ., assignor to Esso Research and EngineeringCompany, a corporation of Delaware Filed Nov. 30, 1966, Ser. No. 597,931Int. Cl. F24c 5/18; F23n 5/24; H01h 35/02 U.S. Cl. 431-88 8 ClaimsABSTRACT F THE DISCLOSURE A safe space heater is adapted to receivereplaceable containers of semisolid fuels such as thickened kerosene,gasoline, diesel oil, etc. The heater includes a fuel feed system andvalve system whereby the supply of fuel is automatically regulated andthe fuel supply is cut-off in the event of tip-over of the heater. Theheater reduces the hazards associated with space heaters utilizingliquid fuels.

This invention relates to a safe space heater, and more particularly toan apparatus for supplying semisolid petroleum fuel to a combustionzone. The invention especially relates to a safe space heater which isuseful for heating and cooking and which is adapted to receivereplaceable containers of semisolid petroleum fuels such as thickenedkerosene, gasoline or diesel oil. In another aspect, the inventionrelates to a replaceable fuel cartridge for semisolid petroleum fuel.

In view of their poor safety record, kerosene space heaters have beenbanned in many states and in some areas all liquid petroleum fuels havebeen included in this restriction. The hazards resulting from the use ofliquid petroleum fuels may be attributed primarily to iiooding of theburner repot or tipover of the burner. Solid fuels have the disadvantagethat they must be hand stoked in these types of heaters. It is theprimary objective of this invention, therefore, to provide a spaceheater which is not subject to the limitations and disadvantages ofspace heaters which have been available heretofore.

It is a further object to provide an apparatus for supplying semisolidpetroleum fuel to a combustion zone.

It is still a further object to provide a replaceable fuel cartridgewhich is adapted to be placed within the fuel feed system of a safespace heater.

Broadly, the space heater of the present invention comprises a fuelcontainer having an outlet orifice, means for discharging semisolidpetroleum fuel through the outlet orifice, regulating means operativelyconnected to the outlet oriiice so that the supply of semisolid fueldischarged from the container may be regulated, and a combustion zonecommunicating with the regulating means.

The invention will be better understood by reference to the followingdetailed description when considered in conjunction with theaccompanying drawings illustrating selected embodiments thereof, inwhich:

FIGURE 1 is a side view, partly in section, of an apparatus for storingand supplying semisolid petroleum fuel to a combustion and heating zone;and

FIGURE 2 is a cross-sectional view of a thermally operated proportionatecontrol Valve which may be used to regulate the supply of fuel deliveredto the combustion zone.

FIGURE 3 is a perspective cross-sectional view of a suitable disposablefuel cartridge.

FIGURE 4 is a schematic diagram of a thermocouple system which may beused in conjunction with a valve so as to prevent the discharge of fuelin the event of tipover of the heater.

3,471,243 Patented Oct. 7, 1969 Referring now more particularly toFIGURE 1, there is shown generally at numeral 10 a heating zoneoperatively connected to a fuel supply system which i-s shown generallyat 12. The heating zone used herein is of the conventional type and ofitself does not form any part of the basic invention.

The fuel supply system shown generally at 12 comprises outer casing 114supported by a frame including frame members 16 and having an outlet,orifice 18, which directs fuel from cartridge 20 into a means forregulating the fuel supply delivered to the heating zone. Thisregulating means may be of any approved type, the specific constructionnot being particularly concerned with the present invention. Here forillustrative purposes is shown a thermally operated proportionatecontrol valve 22 which regulates the fuel supply sent through outletconduit 24 which is cooperatively connected to the burners (not shown)disposed within the heating zone of the space heater. To limit theamount of fuel delivered to the heating zone, valve 22 ,(shown in FIGURE2) is provided with a temperature responsive means, e.g., bellows 48,which actuates valve stem 50v which contacts diaphragm 52 disposedwithin valve body 54. In the event the diaphragm fails, leakage throughthe valve may be prevented by means of an auxiliary seal, e.g., O ring56. Across the top of the bellows may be located a bellows support bar58 which iits into thread 60 and supports the bellows-valve stem unit.Support mount 62 having groove 69 may be rotated by hand, while thebellows-'valve stem combination is prevented from rotating by pin 64which is lixed in the valve stem and rides in vertical Slot 66 locatedin supported bracket 68. Pin 70 extends through the wall of bracket 68and contacts groove 69 so that support mount `62 is restrained fromvertical movement. Rotation of the support mount 62 raises and lowersthe stem position thereby iixin-g the temperature at which the valve isfully closed. As the desired room temperature is approached, the valverestriction increases and the fuel flow decreases, thereby achievingproportional control.

To maintain a pilot light in heating zone 10 and to prevent thedischarge of fuel in the event of burner tipover, the regulating meansis provided with valve 26 which permits a small continuous ow of fuel tobe sent through conduit 28 and directs the major proportion of the fuelsupply to valve 22. Valve 26 is operatively connected to electricalconduit 30 which includes an activating means (FIGURE 4) communicatingwith the pilot light zone (not shown) and arranged so that valve 26 isautomatically closed when the pilot light goes out or when the heater istipped over. This may be accomplished, for example, by a thermocoupleactivated magnetic valve of the type used in conventional heaters forpilot light control. Referring to FIGURE 4, it is seen that theactivating means may comprise thermocouple wires 31 and 33 which arejoined at junction 29 located in the pilot light zone to thereby produceelectrical energy which via electrical conduit 30 maintains valve 26 inthe open position. Segments of thermocouple wire 33 are joined by meansof mercury switch 27 which is arranged to break the electrical circuitin the event of tipover of the space heater thereby resulting inautomatic closure of valve 26. For added safety, outlet conduit 24includes a heat dissipation means, e.g., cooling fins 32, for preventingexcessive conduction of heat from the combustion zone to the semisolidfuel, thereby substantially maintaining the consistency of said fuel.

One end of the outer casing is open ended and is adapted to be engagedwith removable cover 34 by a seuring means which may be, for example,Wing nut assembly 36. Removable cover 34 comprises movable presser plate38 connected to rod 40 which is slidably disposed within the cover andis used for withdrawal of the presser plate from the cartridge.Removable cover 34 also includes means for applying a force on thepresser plate to move said plate and rod in the direction towards theouter casing outlet. The force means herein utilized for such purposemay be a resilient means, e.g., helical spring 42, for urging thepresser plate against diaphragm 44 which is disposed within thecartridge. Diaphragm 44 which rests upon fuel 46 forms a substantiallyfuel-tight seal with the side walls of the cartridge and is adapted toslide within the body of said cartridge towards the outlet orifice whenacted upon by the presser plate.

A suitable fuel cartridge may be, for example, the cylindrical containershown in FIGURE 3. The cartridge is shown having side Walls 70 and endIWals 72 and 74. The end wall 72 has an outlet orifice 76 provided withremovable closure 76. End wall 74 is of the ystrippable type which maybe readily hand removed by tearing off side wall segment 78. Disposedwithin the cartridge between closed end 74 and the fuel is diaphragm 80which forms a substantially fuel-tight seal with the side Wall. Thediaphragm is adapted to slide within the body of the cartridge and isrestrained from moving out of the cartridge by crimp 82.

With the parts constructed as described, the operation is as follows:fuel cartridge having orifice closure 76 and end 74 removed is insertedinto outer casing 14 so that cartridge outlet orifice 76 is in alignmentwith the outlet opening of the outer casing to thereby permit dischargeof the fuel from the cartridge. Cartridge Ztl is then secured in placeby cover 34 which is mechanically interlocked with outer casing 14 bywing nut assembly 36 and arranged so as to draw presser plate 38 againstdiaphragm 44 of cartridge 20. Helical spring 42 mounted around rod 40 ofcover 34 and disposed between the cover top and presser plate exerts asubstantially constant force upon presser plate 38 which in turn exertsthe force on diaphragm 44 and thence on fuel 46. Thermally operatedproportionate control valve 22, which communicates with casing 14 andfuel supply conduit 24, regulates the admission of fuel 46 to thecombustion zone. During operation of the apparatus, presser plate 38acts upon cartridge diaphragm 44 so as to force the fuel in thecartridge through the outlet orifice, past the control valves and thenceinto the pilot light and burner feed lines. Con.- trol valve 22 isadjusted so that a minimum quantity of fuel, sufiicient only to maintainthe required level of fuel in the burner pot, is delivered to thecombustion zone, thereby maintaining the desired area temperature.

The semisolid fuel used herein may be any of the conventional gelled orgrease-like hydrocarbon fuels which require a starting pres-sure toinitiate their flow. Typically, these fuels comprise, for example,admixtures of gasoline, kerosene or distillate fuel oil with thickeningagents such as soaps, polymeric and inorganic thickeners, and the like.Such fuel compositions are well known in the art and specific examplesthereof may be found, for example, in U.S. Patents 1,262,808 and U.S.3,114,710 which are incorporated herein by reference.

It is not intended that this invention be limited to the specificexamples presented by way of illustration. The scope of the invention islimited only by the appended claims.

What is claimed is:

1. A safe space heater adapted to burn semisolid petroleum fuel whichcomprises in combination:

(a) a frame;

(b) a fuel container supported by said frame, said container having sideWalls and one end wall having an outlet orifice, said container holdinga supply of semisolid petroleum fuel;

(c) means for discharging said fuel through said outlet orifice;

(d) a. combustion zone including a pilot burner for producing a pilotframe;

(e) a fuel line for delivering semisolid fuel from said outlet orificeto said combustion zone; and

(f) a regulating means positioned in said fuel line so that the supplyof fuel discharged from said container may be regulated, said regulatingmeans including a thermocouple-activated magnetic valve, a thermocoupleenergized by the heat produced by said pilot burner so that said valveis closed upon burnout of the pilot flame, and a mercury switchpositioned in series with said thermocouple so that said valve is closedupon tipover of the space heater.

2. A safe space heater according to claim 1 wherein said regulatingmeans includes a thermally operated proportionate control valve.

3. A safe space heater adapted to burn semisolid petroleum fuel whichcomprises in combination:

(a) a frame;

(b) a fuel container supported by the frame, said container having sidewalls and two end walls, one of said end walls having an outlet orifice,said other end wall including a pressure plate forming a substantiallyfuel-tight seal with said side walls and adapted to slide within thebody of said container;

(c) means for applying a force on said pressure plate to move said platetoward said outlet orifice to thereby discharge said fuel through saidoutlet oritice;

(d) a combustion zone including a pilot burner for producing a pilotflame;

(e) a fuel line for delivering semisolid fuel from said outlet orificeto said combustion zone; and

(f) a regulating means positioned in said fuel line so that the supplyof fuel discharged from said container may be regulated, said regulatingmeans including a thermocouple-activated magnetic valve, a thermocoupleenergized by the heat produced by said pilot burner so that said Valveis closed upon burn-out of the pilot ame, and a mercury switchpositioned in Iseries with said thermocouple so that said valve isclosed upon tipover of the space heater.

4. A safe space heater according to claim 3 wherein said regulatingmeans includes a thermally operated proportionate control valve.

5. A safe space heater adapted to burn semisolid peroleum fuel whichcomprises in combination:

(a) a frame;

(b) an outer casing supported by the frame, said outer casing havingside walls and one end wall, Isaid end wall having an outlet opening;

(c) a fuel cartridge disposed within said outer casing, said cartridgecontaining semisolid petroleum fuel and having side walls and two endwalls, one of said end walls having an outlet orifice in alignment withthe outlet opening of said outer casing, said other end Wall including adiaphragm forming a substantially fuel-tight seal with said cartridgeside walls and adapted to slide within the body of said cartridge;

(d) means for urging said diaphragm in the direction toward said outletorifice to thereby discharge fuel through said outer casing outlet;

(e) regulating means operatively connected to said outer casing outletso that the supply of fuel discharged from said cartridge may beregulated; and

(f) a combustion zone communicating with said regulating means,

6. A safe space heater according to claim 5 wherein said regulatingmeans includes a thermally operated proportionate control valve.

7. A safe space heater according to claim 6 wherein said combustion zoneincludes a pilot burner for producing a pilot flame and said regulatingmeans includes a thermocouple activated magnetic valve, a thermocoupleenergized by the heat produced by said pilot burner so that said valveis closed upon burn-out of the pilot flame and a mercury switchpositioned in series with said ther- -mocouple so that said valve isclosed upon tipover of the space heater.

8. A safe space heater adapted to burn semisolid petroleunt fuel whichcomprises in combination:

(a) a frame;

(b) an outer casing supported by the frame, said outer casing havingside walls and one end wall, said end wall having an outlet opening;

(c) -a fuel cartridge disposed within said outer casing, said cartridgecontaining semisolid petroleum fuel and having side walls and two endwalls, one of said end Walls having an outlet orifice in alignment withthe outlet opening of said outer casing, said other end wall including adiaphragm forming a substantially fuel-tight seal with said cartridgeside walls and adapted to slide within the body of said cartridge;

(d) a removable cover for said outer casing, said cover including meansfor securing said cover to said outer casing, a presser plate forcontacting said diaphragm, resilient means for urging said pressureplate against said diaphragm in the direction toward said outlet oriliceto thereby discharge fuel through said outer casing outlet;

(e) regulating means operatively connected to said outer casing outletso that the supply of fuel discharged from said cartridge may beregulated, said regulating means including a thermally operatedproportionate control valve adapted to control the delivery of fuel sothat a desired area temperature can be maintained and a thermocoupleactivated magnetic valve in series with a mercury switch which causesthe closing of said valve upon tipover of the space heater to therebyprevent discharge of fuel;

and

(f) a combustion zone communicating with said regulating means.

References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS Fulton et al 15S-50.3 Johanson222-3 87 X Pickup 236-10 X Sherbondy.

Wilson 15S-42.1 X Whiteside ZOO-61.52 Freestone.

Anderson et al. 15S- 42.1 X Felts 222-43 Fannon 236-6 X Keyt.

Tear 222-327 X Moody.

McKinnon et al. -252 Power ZOO-61.52

FOREIGN PATENTS EDWARD G. FAVORS, Primary Examiner U.S. Cl. X.R.

126-93; zoon-61.52; zzz- 387

